I have tried a few different times to put this experience into words.
It's not easy to put your heart onto paper.
So I'm going to leave it in my heart and share a few a pictures and some words that will fall short.
With every temple dedication there is a Youth Celebration which is an evening of dance and song and testimony.
It comes with an incomprehensible amount of work from the seen and unseen. I had the opportunity to be a "Captain of 10" in my ward and that allowed me the blessing of watching this Celebration unfold.
Numerous wards from all over this desert land practiced their numbers on their own for a couple months. Then everyone was brought together for two "super Saturday" practices. The 2nd practice culminating in the live performance for our prophet.
I never could comprehend the enormity of bringing 12,000 youth together until I saw it happen myself. We gathered at Discovery Park, an outdoor setting with the Gilbert Temple gleaming behind us.
The first practice was long and hot. Beginning at 7 a.m. and no plans to call it done until late into the evening.
Our piece of Arizona had been experiencing an extended dry spell and today the sun was relentless. We began to see the affects of that wear down our little warriors. After the lunch break we gathered for the big rehearsal and I worried. The kids were dragging and loosing steam fast. I worried if I could offer enough hugs, spray bottle squirts, Starburst candies and shade with my tiny umbrella. I worried if I could keep my little group of 10 motivated, how were we going to keep 12,000 kids motivated?"
And then slowly, clouds that were not previously seen or even forecasted for that matter, gathered together and a soothing shade cover spread over the entire park. It provided the relief that each of us needed. Bodies and minds were rejuvenated and faith was increased as we felt the comfort of His pavilion.
I felt blessed to have witnessed this part of the Celebration.
The very next Saturday, we gathered again.
This time there was 100% chance of rain.
As a group of Latter Day Saints we had been praying for the rain to come, to quench this dry desert. But today those prayers were still. We needed to push a pause button.
What I witnessed this day is forever etched in my heart and soul. I search for the right words, even when I am trying to tell others about it face to face. Thankfully I was able to share this experience with Brent and Davis by my side. I'm beyond grateful that we will have this between us forever.
All morning long the dark, threatening clouds rolled around us. There was one pocket of parting clouds and it hovered over us all day. It truly looked as if angels were holding back the storm.
About half an hour before the live performance 12,000 youth gathered in the basin of the park. The show was about to begin and they were waiting for their prophet to arrive. It was incredible to watch the enthusiasm and feel their tangible energy even with impending storm clouds weighing heavy above them! And the prophet came (in between the drizzling rain drops I might add) and the kids were jumping around and singing like they were welcoming a rock star. The feeling was nothing short of joyous!
And then the heavens were opened and the rain came down.
It rained. And rained. And rained.
It came in buckets, in pails, in sheets, in cats and dogs.
Whatever your phrase. . . that's how it came.
What happened? The rain had been stayed all day. Why now?
Even earlier when the drizzle began I uttered my own prayer - please keep the rain away. But that prayer was washed away in the downpour.
Soaked to the skin, makeup washed away, mud covered shoes, a river beneath their feet ~
The show began and they danced!
Often we think that we know how something should or will play out. Often we think that in order for something to go a certain way or for people to have a certain experience that this is what needs to happen.
But our understanding is so imperfect and that's okay because it is in those moments we learn the most. Tonight I was reminded of something I already know ~ that our Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for His children. He teaches us, helps our faith increase and our knowledge made sure as part of that perfect plan.
Watching the youth give absolutely everything they had was humbling to say the least. With their personal Titles of Liberty soggy and drenched in hand they sang these words:
It's easy to talk about faith,
It's easy to do what's right
when there's no sacrifice.
It's easy to preach about heart
And say you'll be faithful and true
when you know there's nothing to lose.
I could do so much good in my life,
and help my people in this land,
but what is there to live for if I'm not true to who I am?
I choose this day...
I choose the person I will be.
Do I fear man?
Deny who I am?
And all that I believe?
Will I stand tall?
Will I soar or do I fall
when the spirit calls, will I be strong?
Will I obey?
I will choose this day!
I was in awe of what unfolded before my eyes.
And my tears mixed with the streaming rain.
12,000 flags strong, they did it!
They chose to stand as believers and defenders this night!
So what about all those prayers to stop the rain, well. . .
"Last night His power was manifest through His children.
They needed to know who they were. That they were His children. He could have showed them His power but He wanted them to see theirs."
I feel so blessed to have been a witness to this event. But I have to say my favorite and most memorable part of the whole night was watching my son, under the sheets of falling rain, participate with such enthusiasm. At the end when I was finally able to look into his eyes, he was practically bursting and just kept saying over and over "That was so cool! It was so fun! I'm not even cold!" I have taken a metal picture of that moment and etched it into my heart. On Sunday he bore such a sincere and grown up testimony of his Savior, and the truth he gained of a living prophet having just stood before him the evening before, and the power of choosing.
Sometimes the miracle isn't in sparing the rain,
but in sending it.
